However, before Bella was called, deputy public prosecutor Zilfinaz Abbas said the hearing will be conducted in-camera as the girl is the victim in the case and that her testimony cannot be reported as she is a child witness.

Zilfinaz also said that in previous proceedings, the prosecution had requested that an intermediary and an accompanying adult be appointed for Bella as required under the Evidence of Child Witness Act 2007 and for them to be with her in another room during the trial.

The two individuals are Dr Nor Jumawaton Shahruddin, a psychology officer from the Attorney-General’s Chambers, who is the intermediary, and social welfare officer Noor Faiidah Mohamed, she told judge Izralizam Sanusi, who consented to their appointments.

Izralizam also agreed for the hearing to heard in-camera and for the public and press gallery to be cleared.

Bella, in a blue dress like the one worn by Elsa in Frozen, was seen smiling when she arrived at the Kuala Lumpur court complex at about 9am accompanied by social welfare officers and policemen.

Siti Bainun, 30, is facing two charges of neglecting and abusing her, causing her to suffer physical and emotional injuries, between February and June 2021 at a condominium in Wangsa Maju here.